Today I read Google’s response to criticism of it’s policy proposal with Verizon. I generally like to give Google a lot of credit – a large benefit of the doubt – as they generally are aligned with consumer’s interests. But on this “net neutrality” issue I just can’t agree.
I’ll give them a little bit of credit in that they didn’t intentionally want to threaten the future of the Internet – and they struggled with Verizon on coming up with something to be agreed to. But I can’t agree with them that Wireless Internet should be treated any differently than wireline Internet.
As a believer in the Free Market I believe that Net Neutrality is important for our economy – as the “net” companies are a major driver of the economy now. Were in a recession now – a bad one – with unemployment being very high. I believe one of the drivers to creating jobs will be small business – which are generally low capital organizations.
The lower capital requirements that the Internet provides to business can and is a big driver to our economy. I don’t want those business spending lots and lots of money on bandwidth – I want them spending on on labor – i.e. jobs here in the U.S. The Internet has become nearly a public utility – in terms of it’s usefulness to the world.
Sorry Google but I can’t go along with what you are saying – even though I acknowledge wireless networks are more constrained than by wired networks – but bandwidth continues to grow each year – and technology takes care of that. I believe the “cloud” will be a major part of the upcoming world – with a fast Internet connection being an essential part of it.
Is Net Neutrality an easy thing – NO! It’s going to be very difficult to preserve it – but I think it’s essential for our economy. I’m not sure that I want a “utility” for the Internet – but it’s close to that in terms of how important I believe it is (it’s has a similar multiplier effect that electricity did).
Google please don’t be evil – stand up for us – for the future of the Internet – for the future of the US (and world) economy. Defend a free and unfettered Internet – one for the rich and poor – one that keeps growing.
